September 2009

I had a job interview several weeks ago. I won’t name the employeer. It’s a contract gig, so technically they would be my client.
I had two seperate interview’s with two different groups of people.
Both went well. However, after the second interview with all men, I had the following conversation went with the recruiter.

Recruiter: “Sharay, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” Read More

“If you like Pina Colada’s….”
So those who know me, know that I am passionate about food and particularly food and wine pairing. There is nothing better when something that tastes pretty good on it’s own is elevated into an entirely different level when yin, food and yang, wine are brought together for a perfect pairing.

To me, having a glass of wine with a meal is just a natural thing. Maybe I should be living in Europe where this practice is deeply rooted in the culture, unlike the U.S., where there are merely pockets of this accepted practice. It’s sad really.

Instead, people including friends and family, raise an eyebrow when I have a glass of wine with a meal or when I am watching the sun set sitting in the hay with my husband and my kid, dogs, cat and ponies.

I don’t get it???? I even had a friend today call me a “Wino.” I know it was tongue and cheek, but it got me thinking.
Why is it not as accepted in our society to pair wine, beer, cocktails, whatever your preference with a meal, as it is in other countries?
Did it start with Puritans when they landed here on the Mayflower? Who gets to decide what is acceptable and not acceptable for an entire culture?
Very complicated questions when you really start to think about it.

Maybe it’s because like with everything else, Americans also drink alcohol in excess. We overindulge making it oh so much easier for those finger shakers to vigorously shake.

Living here in Utah makes partaking especially awkward.
Alcohol consumption of any kind is frowned upon by the prevailing faith here.
It really creates such an odd feeling. You sort fell shame, which is complete and utter B.S. and you know this, yet you can’t help but feel like you are being naughty and should be ashamed. It’s a very conflicting thing.
It’s hard to explain unless you have lived elsewhere and then live here.

Now, excuse me while I go have a glass of wine. “It’s only 11:20am” you say? You do realize they have wine with EVERY meal in Europe right?
Fine, I will wait until 5pm.
Damn peer pressure!